Not from the mailbag, more like music from social media. Sarah Howe is an artist out of Germany (originally from the UK)that I ran into on Google+. Interesting jazz group with a very nice sound. Not much on-line showing their stuff, but I did find this tune on YouTube.
As I noted, very nicely done. Sarah has taken a route that a lot of musicians take these days. Study in London, move to Germany. London University is a great fine arts school, and the German music scene is vibrant, forgiving and eclectic. Great singer and songwriter who plays a mean piano. Check out the links below and maybe pick up a song or two for those days (or nights) you crave some smooth jazz.
With the success of Mumford and Sons, and folk in general, when I run across an English folk musician, I give it a thorough listen. Frank Turner is an English folk singer and songwriter, with some undertones of punk and alternative. He was the singer in a hardcore punk band called “Million Dead”. He embarked on a solo career when the band split up in 2005. Since the break up, he has recorded 4 EP’s and 4 albums. His most recent album is called “England, Keep My Bones” which was released in June of 2011. The cut I have added here is “If I Ever Stray”, his most recent single release off the album (August 29, 2011). A very enjoyable video.
Frank Turner Discography and other stuff can be found here.
Regina band “Library Voices” released their new album on August 23. (Available on iTunes). The album is titled “Summer Lust”, which is what people in Western Canada definitely do for summer. The attached video is their first single released from the album “Generation Handclap”. The band hails from Regina, Saskatchewan and are following up a successful album “Denim on Denim” from 2010. If you like the video, and are interested in hearing more from this band, hit the link*. It will take you to CBC3 and has most of their songs.
The Real Canadian Music Blog 